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मन्त्र, भजन, कीर्तन, जप, सुमिरन: अभिव्यक्ति के चार तल || आचार्य प्रशांत (2019)
आचार्य प्रशांत
72.8K views
6 years ago
Scriptures
Ego
Mantra
Self-realization
Upanishads
Kabir Saheb
Simran
Spiritual Knowledge
Description

Acharya Prashant defines a scripture as a text that speaks solely about the dissolution of the ego into the Self. He clarifies that books discussing worldly affairs, physical strength, astrology, or mechanical engineering, while useful, do not qualify as scriptures. Only texts whose subject matter is the Supreme Truth or the attributeless Reality, such as the Upanishads, the Bible, the Guru Granth Sahib, and the words of saints like Kabir Saheb, are true scriptures. He warns against labeling books like the Lal Kitab or Ravana Samhita as scriptures, emphasizing that utility in worldly life does not equate to spiritual authority. Regarding mantras, Acharya Prashant explains that a mantra is a profound truth expressed concisely and directly. It is meant to be remembered constantly through chanting to keep the mind focused on the Truth. He notes that while the mind habitually chants worldly desires, a meaningful mantra acts like soap to cleanse the mind. He stresses that understanding the meaning of a mantra is essential; chanting without comprehension is mere mechanical repetition and a form of ignorance. He dismisses the idea that mantras work through 'vibrations' alone, asserting that spiritual realization requires conscious understanding. He further discusses the different forms of remembrance: Bhajan involves vocal intensity and music; Japa is closer to silence or whispering; and Simran is complete silence of the lips and throat. Kirtan adds physical expression through dance and collective singing. Despite these different levels of expression, the central goal remains the same: association with the Truth. He clarifies that the emphasis on correct pronunciation in ancient times was to preserve oral traditions accurately, but for a seeker, the essence and understanding are far more important than linguistic perfection. Finally, Acharya Prashant explains that while the core message of all scriptures is the same, multiple texts and repeated explanations are necessary because most people are not ready to grasp the Truth in a single instance. He uses the example of 'Ik Onkar Satnam' containing the essence of the entire Guru Granth Sahib, yet the full text exists to guide those who need more elaborate pointers. He encourages seekers to find the specific 'medicine' or verse that resonates with their particular state of mind, as the ultimate purpose of all spiritual study is the dissolution of the ego.